Recruits hit: 21 LA County sheriff’s recruits were injured after being hit by a car in Whittier, according to authorities

WHITTIER, Calif. (KABC)– A total of 21 recruits from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were injured after being struck by a vehicle during an early-morning run on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.

Chad Sourbeer, a Los Angeles County Fire Department battalion chief, spoke to Eyewitness News and said seven of those recruits are currently in critical condition, four are being treated for “immediate” injuries and 10 have minor injuries.

The incident happened around 6:29 a.m. in the South Whittier area near Mills Avenue and Trumball Street. The group of running recruits appeared to consist of 40 to 50 recruits running in a pack.

AIR7 HD captured more than a dozen sheriff’s units along with multiple fire engines and ambulances at the scene.

First responders were seen treating the recruits in the middle of the street and loading several others into ambulances.

It is unclear whether the driver involved was arrested. Meanwhile, the vehicle remained on a sidewalk with severe damage to the front end.

This is an evolving story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.